Fashion vs. Spirituality- clothing the world

It’s a new year. It’s time for cleaning closets, taking stock, and letting go of old ways of thinking. It’s time for new thoughts and new actions- new modes of living.

In a conversation with a friend yesterday, we both questioned, “Are fashion and spirituality mutually exclusively?”

This friend has a deep love of fashion design but finds that it often butts heads with her spiritual values. She loves the artistry of fashion, but fears that if she were to pursue a career in this field, intensely focused on outward appearances, that she might not be focused on cultivating the things of the Spirit.

As I prayed about this topic to try to understand the real issue or a new way to consider these things- the conversation felt superficial at a time when immigrants are making harrowing trips across seas with nearly the shirts on their backs. But as I deepen and broaden my prayer I’m ready to be still enough to really hear God and to consider the necessity of beauty and proper clothing for all.

Here are a few of the verses from the Bible and articles that have brought me insight.

“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.”

What God gives is steady, clean, beautiful and inspired- God is constant source- universal good. Following a career in fashion- following a path to a better life is following light and hope. This spiritual gift to look beyond decay and weariness is refreshing, even when that decay and weariness surface in our wardrobe, mental space, career opportunities, or loss of home/familiarity.

On the other hand, Jesus cautions the leaders of the temple against fake behavior aka making clean the outside of the platter. Today, are we being distracted from spiritual genuineness- study and prayer, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.”

I love this quote. When I read it, I ask myself, “Am I prioritizing the externals- pursuit of material things? Am I living close to my ideal that my sense of beauty and abundance stem from a deep and settled love of God who is never out of style- God who is sufficient and comforting for all?”

That’s what I can share today. I invite your thoughts and prayers too as we start afresh and wrap the world in love- anchor ourselves in things that last and satisfy.

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Very interesting thoughts, Ginger. The way I would tell if something is the path I am suppose to be following is to go within and asking…..does it give me joy…am I excited when I think about it? That is the “tell” that spirit wants me to follow this path. Follow your joy.
I’ve been doing some clearing out of “things” also….a perfect time for it, I agree. When we let go of the old we have more room for the new. I do believe it extends further than just “stuff”, too.
Shine on.

Don’t forget, Jesus wore a garment “without seam, woven from the top throughout.” For a robe to not have seams was not a common thing in his day. It was akin to wearing a tuxedo.

On that note, Beethoven was known to dress in his finest clothes before going into his private study to compose. When asked about this (because if it’s private, why bother?), he replied that he was going there to talk to God.

I think most (not all) professions can be done in a way that glorifies God. Beauty is a quality of God, as long as it doesn’t cross over into vanity territory.

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On this site you can find blogs, inspirational articles, and information about my work and services as a Christian Science Practitioner. This site is designed to spark fresh thoughts and enthusiasm for this spiritual adventure we call "LIFE."